Things to Do in Coopers Rock State Forest
Coopers Rock State Forest is a prominent state forest located in the Appalachian Mountains near Morgantown, West Virginia. Spanning approximately 12,747 acres, it is the largest state forest in West Virginia, characterized by dramatic landscapes, towering boulders, and sandstone cliffs. The terrain offers diverse opportunities for outdoor pursuits, including several sports like hiking, mountain biking, jogging, touring cycling, and more.
Things to Do in Coopers Rock State Forest
For those seeking outdoor activities in Coopers Rock State Forest, the region…
42
Routes
4.3
(8)
Average rating
272
People visited
8
hikers
8.08km
02:17
180m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
7.06km
02:07
230m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
1.94km
00:34
20m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
6.12km
01:50
200m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
riders
18.9km
02:02
510m
510m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
11.6km
01:18
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
7.30km
00:43
140m
140m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(3)
7
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
11.4km
00:45
140m
140m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
34.9km
02:05
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
50.1km
03:10
430m
430m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
11.7km
00:45
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17.1km
02:16
440m
440m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
runners
9.89km
01:13
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
runners
11.6km
01:13
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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29
riders
35.9km
01:53
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
45.1km
02:34
690m
690m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
19.2km
01:03
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
32.8km
01:45
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Most popular attractions in Coopers Rock State Forest
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Frequently asked questions
What is Coopers Rock State Forest?
Coopers Rock State Forest is the largest state forest in West Virginia, spanning approximately 12,747 acres. It is located in the Appalachian Mountains near Morgantown and is known for its dramatic landscapes, including towering boulders and sandstone cliffs.
What outdoor activities are available in Coopers Rock State Forest?
Coopers Rock State Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, jogging, and touring cycling. The forest features nearly 50 miles (80 km) of trails for various skill levels. Over 500 visitors have shared experiences on komoot, resulting in an average rating of 4.43 out of 5 stars.
Are there hiking trails in Coopers Rock State Forest?
Yes, Coopers Rock State Forest features nearly 50 miles (80 km) of hiking trails. Popular routes include the Henry Clay Iron Furnace Trail and the Raven Rock Trail, which offers cliff-side views. More information can be found in the Hiking in Coopers Rock State Forest guide.
What are the best mountain biking trails in Coopers Rock State Forest?
Coopers Rock State Forest offers 50 miles (80 km) of trails suitable for mountain biking, with routes varying in difficulty from moderately technical to less challenging. Riders can find rewarding descents and climbs, with features like narrow bridges. The MTB Trails in Coopers Rock State Forest guide provides specific options.
Can I go cycling in Coopers Rock State Forest?
Yes, touring cycling is possible in Coopers Rock State Forest, utilizing roads and less technical trails, some of which have mostly paved surfaces. The Cycling in Coopers Rock State Forest guide offers routes for touring cyclists.
Are there easy or family-friendly hikes in Coopers Rock State Forest?
Coopers Rock State Forest offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. Specific family-friendly routes are available. Consult the Easy hikes in Coopers Rock State Forest and Family-friendly hikes in Coopers Rock State Forest guides for details.
What are the main natural attractions in Coopers Rock State Forest?
The most iconic natural features are the canyon overlooks, including the Main Overlook and Raven Rock Overlook, which provide panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge. The forest also features towering boulders, sandstone cliffs, and Messinger Lake. Seasonal changes bring blossoming rhododendron and mountain laurel in June, and vibrant fall foliage.
Does Coopers Rock State Forest have historical sites?
Yes, the forest is home to the Henry Clay Iron Furnace, an impressive 30-foot-high pyramid-shaped stone structure built between 1834 and 1836. Many structures, including picnic shelters and the main overlook, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and some are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
How many routes are available on komoot for Coopers Rock State Forest?
There are 25 routes available on komoot for Coopers Rock State Forest. These routes cover various sports, including 13 for hiking, 5 for mountain biking, 4 for jogging, and 3 for touring cycling.
Where can I find komoot guides for Coopers Rock State Forest?
Komoot offers several guides for Coopers Rock State Forest, covering various activities. These include Hiking in Coopers Rock State Forest, MTB Trails in Coopers Rock State Forest, and Cycling in Coopers Rock State Forest, among others.
How can I contact Coopers Rock State Forest?
The official website for Coopers Rock State Forest is coopersrockstateforest.com. The park can also be reached by phone at +1-304-594-1561 for inquiries.
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